• Testimonials

  • From the begining we felt like we were in excelent hands.
    Your country is truly beautiful and seeing it through your eyes has made it even more special. Thank you from the bottoms of our hearts. And come visit / stay with us in Texas.
    Linda & Dan, Texas, USA, 2012

     

    You made us feel extremely comfortable and always well cared for.
    The trip was just awesome. You are a fabulous guide. Call Bob when you are coming to The Napa Valley.
    Diane and Bob, Napa Valley, 2012

     

    What a wonderful adventure you planned for us!

    I hope our paths will cross again. The hiking poles were a life saver!!
    Loree, CA, 2012

    Thank you very much for all of your hospitality during our visit to Croatia.

    We loved sea-kayaking with you and all little hidden bays and coves. And the food!! We will never forget the feast at "Meat Boy" place. Speachless.
    John & John-Austin, New Jersey, 2012

    Thank your for your stories of Croatia, your love of life here, your humour - and my special birthday party.
    Jadviga, Washington, USA, 2012

    You made our trip extra ordinary.

    With your knowledge and love for your beautiful country the trip was terrific! We hope we can cross paths again some time in the future.
    Joe and Diane, San Francisco 2012

     

    The trip was fantastic.

    I wanted to let you know what a great trip I had and to say thank you for all of your pre-trip help. The trip was fantastic. A lot of the credit for that can go to Tanja. She is a terrific guide, cook, and representative of Slovenia. The rest of the credit can go to your beautiful country! It was also nice to get to meet Luka and Ursula, even if only quickly. Thanks again for everything.

    Best regards, Annette, 2012

    The trip brings to light the best of Slovenia.

    Its history, culture and scenery were superb. Luka's enthusiasm and exuberance were infectious.

    Natalie S., New York, 2012


    I REALLY enjoyed this trip.

    I was impressed by the variety of activities. The scenery, the sights, medieval towns, the alpine hiking and the caves were spectacular!

    Kylie R., San Francisco, 2012


    Great introduction to a lovely country.

    Terrain and local culture varied tremendously from beginning of trip to end, so it was always interesting. Always something new to discover. Very well organized, lots to see and do.

    Linda F., Huston,2012


    The mountian scenery, the places we stayed and the food were all excellent.

    However, what really made this trip truly outstanding were the two guides. They were friendly, bright, knowledgeable, patient & just fun to be with. It was obvious that they really enjoyed their work. I've done a lot of traveling and had some fine guides, but none could top them! I would most definitely enthusiastically recommend this trip.
    Lou L., New York


    The hikes were fantastic.
    This was my first chance to see one of the Balkan countries with gorgeous scenery, interesting history and getting out there where a lot of Slovenians hike. The hikes were fantastic. Our guides were superb. They found local places to eat rather than tourist places. Guide had a good sense of humor and knew everyone, or so it seemed. Hotels were excellent for the settings. One was out of this world with superb cuisine.

    Arthur F., Brooklyn

    They rate a gold star.

    This was the first trip led by two women. They were organized, focused on our safety and well being, provided great lunches and were so knowledgable about their young, democratic country. I can't say enough about the enthusiam and knowledge of these young women.

    Bob P., Vemont

    Lunches were excellent!
    The wine area as well as the Karst region were a very pleasant surprise. I didn't expect those areas to be so beautiful. Guide was wonderful! She did everything - driver, chef, guide, etc. (as noted above). Very patient; great sense of humor. Guide did an incredible job preparing them. Lisa P. & Richard M., Brooklyn

     

    Many things at all at the top.
    Interesting hikes, different locales, cultural experiences such as the shepherd's hut, wine tasting, and dinner at the home of a Slovenian, and fantastic cave experience. The quality of the guide, the welcoming nature of the Slovenian people were outstanding.
    Bob & Linda B., San Diego

     

    The scenery was amazing.
    I just wanted to let you know how much we enjoyed our trip to Slovenia last week. All our group really liked the itinerary and everything went so well. The hotel was exactly right -lovely rooms and Luka was such a nice guy. The scenery was amazing so the hiking was very enjoyable and we could appreciate the lovely countryside. We had some great food especially at Frankos and our final meal at the coast was excellent. Our guide Ales was the best guide we have ever been with. We were all very impressed with him. He was very knowledgable and a lovely personality as well. Thanks for making it all possible and putting the itinerary together for us.

    Best wishes Ali and Steve, UK

    Very impressed!
    The guides, the hiking, the country itself and loved Ljubjana.
    Betsy R., Colorado


    All of the family had a great time.
    Thank you for creating and guiding us on a wonderful trip to your beautiful country. We appreciate the care and thoughtfulness that you showed us from beginning to end.
    Gratefully yours, Robin, Howard, Kirsten, Arlene and Norman, San Diego


    Spectacular!

    The country is terrific. The guides were fantastic.

    Lainey P. & Jerry B., La Jolla


    Wonderful!!!

    Very good guiding at assessing the group as a whole. Had a lot to deal with as each individuals needs were different especially in the food department! He deserves an honarary psych. degree. MaryAnne F., San Diego


    It was one of our best trips overall.

    The guides were superb and really focused on the group's abilities and individual capability to adjust the trip.

    Arlene M., Mount Vernon


    We would recommend them for any traveling party.

    Guide truly cared about our well being and made sure that we were getting the most out of the trip. He was very thoughtful and flexible, adjusting the trip to accommodate people's needs and abilities and the weather.

    Robin M., St.Louis


    Beautiful, friendly country.

    Well-thought out itinerary, very good guide. Trip leader was was great!! Knowledgeable, well-organized, dependable and personable. And she arranged on her own for a birthday party and gift (which she paid for) for one of our party. Very thoughtful, aware.

    Cynthia W., Wayne


    The selection of the locations we visited was excellent.

    It was nice to see so many interesting sites in Slovenia. We also loved our guide. He was great! Glen & Fernanda H., Brasilia The Slovene people are friendly, the food is VERY fresh and tasty. Laurie L. & Tony K., Atlanta

    Terrain and local culture varied tremendously.

    The guides were great, young, bright and enthusiastic.

    Wendy P. & Robert M.


    Wonderful!!!

    Best of: Slovenian Beer, The Alps, Sea Bass cooked in a mound of salt - we thought it was rice! Long 18% grade climb - the steepest ever. Picnic lunches every day - 1st time ever. Cheese (different every day), olives, fresh breads, cucumber salads, fresh cookies. Perfect choice for us. Reaching the top of Vrsic Pass after a very challenging 3 hour climb to the peak - Exhausting, Exhilarating, and Emotionally as good as it can get.

    Mike J., Toronto

    Best dinners of any trip.

    Local desserts, seafood pastas, fresh salads, etc. NO 1 Turisticna Kmetija - a small village hotel with an outstanding 6-course feast. Skocjan Caves - underground river - per Tina "Journey to the Center of the Earth" - Jules Verne. The River Climb - Precarious moments, steep cliffs and cables to hold onto. Drinking the healing waters. Louis J., Toronto

    Beautiful villages, all well-kept, clean and flowers everywhere.

    Bike paths everywhere including the capital city. Tina, our 27 year old guide - 1st woman guide ever in 14 years. A wonderful reflection of the Slovenian people - considerate, helpful, polite, thoughtful, and the best we've had on all of our trips.

    Larry J., Toronto

    Slovenia, in my mind, is more like "western Europe".

    This is a part of Europe that we didn't know much about. Slovenia, in my mind, is more like "western Europe" than the sterotype of a "central European" country.

    Bev P., New York

     

    Guides were very intelligent, knowledgeable, and helpful with excellent leadership and interpersonal skills.

    Luka shares his passion for history, the outdoors, and for Slovenia with enthusiasm. I enjoyed his company and respect his skills. Ben I always looked forward to her excellent lunches. Guide had the perfect personality for being a trip leader. She has patience, good communication skills, and is extremely helpful. I always looked forward to her excellent lunches, as she puts her heart into her food preparation. She showed great compassion and concern for my well being. I see her as a tremendous assest for any organizaion.

    Ken T., Hawaii


    Cannyoning was definitely best outdoor experience I have ever had.

    Loved to jump in those pools.

    Bill A., Colorado

     


    They rank up there with the two best guides I've ever had.

    Both guides were knowledgeable, safety-conscious, and able to tailor things so each hiker was comfortable. And the way they shared work was graceful and respectful.

    Garet & Karin C., Aspen

     

    Loved the combination of outstanding activities!

    Great hikes, scenic cycling and definitely best rafting ever! You have to see emerald Soca river.

    Michael R., Spencertown

     

    The guest house in Kobarid was outstanding.

    The lunches prepared by Luka and the restaurants selected were excellent.

    Susan W., New Jersey

     

    The guide was just a darling - competent, fun, articulate, knowledgeable, we all wanted to adopt her.

    She knew lots of the people we saw and that gave the trip a welcome personal touch. She was also able to be flexible with our schedule which we appreciated.

    Maggie N., Hawley

    It was truly a magical trip in every way and made more so by your expert guiding and warm friendship.

    I am sitting here at my computer thinking of all of the wonderful memories I have from Slovenia - we were together only one week ago! Thank you for your knowledge, for your friendship and for your sensitivity to everyone's needs on our trip. Please know that you are always welcome at all of our houses when you decide to come to our country. Please stay in touch.

    Lots of love, Lucy

    A SUMMONS TO DENY

    A village church quite venerable,

    With towering steeple needling the sky,

    Casts, upside down, reflections on the tranquil mirror lake,

    As, steeped in irony.

    The lofty bells proclaim a sunny Sunday morning,

    Heedless of the gate-post placard,

    CLOSED FOR RESTORATION.


    Bohinj Lake, Slovenia, 7-20-08

    Paul Hertelendy, Piedmont

    BLINDED BY THE GUIDE

    Up and down I follow her for many a mile,

    As if in pulsing eagerness to pass a trial,

    This sylph-like guide too lovely,

    Gliding through cloud-piercing walks,

    And radiant in her smile so dovely,

    That she's flashed at visitors in legend-spangled talks,

    All captivated in her thrall.

    If only she'd cast off my rival,

    After her, I'd even crawl.

    Lake Bohinj, Slovenia

    Paul Hertelendy, Piedmont

    TRANSITION
    The rocky trail---once snow, then stream---;

    Winds thru the greenest densest spruce-rich forest,

    Up the limestone mountains,

    Striped with tracks of savage bygone avalanches.

    Meadows host the tribes of bovines now,

    That dominate in summer,

    Blithely wandering unbound by fences,

    Tame enough to pet,

    Tame enough to lick back,

    With extravagance of dripping tongue.

    At last, the climber meets the mountain hut,

    Where wartime occupiers killed,

    The headstrong partisans,

    Who fought and hid and sacrificed,

    To bring their children liberty.

    Sustained, a blessed peace prevails once more,

    Proclaimed exultantly by flowers in the wild;

    That dot the field with every rainbow color;

    To invite a visit from the buzzing bees.

    They're serenaded by the cowbell concerts,

    Of the grazing cowherds,

    Punctuated by celestial rumbles and a nearby squall.

    Aromas most delectable,

    From farm-cooked soup of pork and beans,

    Emerge from wood-fired kitchen,

    Soon to quell the raging appetite.

    The place and time idyllic nourish generously the storm-tossed soul,

    And make me love this land,

    Where animal and human work congenially,

    While birds sing out in feathery cadenzas.

    The world here radiates serenity and beauty,

    Stating firmly every day,

    That partisans will not have died in vain.

    Triglav National Park, Slovenia, 7-20-08

    Paul Hertelendy, Piedmont

    PAGAN LADY TOLERATES NO SACRILEGE

    Near alpine summits sure-foot sheep leave calling cards,

    That push the hikers to the edge. With great disdain,

    Herds graze the sawtooth slopes beyond the ledge,

    With left legs surely half the height of right.

    The arctic winds propel unwary hikers off the trail,

    While hungry cliffs devour wandering waverers.

    Beware my friend the power of the Pagan Lady!

    Whatever your belief,

    You'll see here etched in stone,

    Her face a giant bas relief,

    At times emitting some mysterious moan.

    Residing and presiding there for thousand years,

    She's whipped the climbers in her icy blast,

    And left them clinging, cringing with their fingers frozen fast.

    Through mirages,

    she'll bewilder wanderers,

    Who'll blindly seek some phantom refuge.

    She'll unleash a pounding rain and fog, a pelting Alpine deluge.

    Arrogances by intruders set off bands of pecking, nagging crows,

    One step unwise will make you vanish to the chasm lows.

    The mountains at this rugged pass they call Vršič,

    Invite the hardiest in ever graver sich-

    U-ations, testing tourists' mettle,

    On these peaks of iron ore.

    Tread lightly. Litter not,

    Respect the peaks,

    Take nothing but the view,

    Remember all the Lady's judgments hinge on what you do,

    Her punishments are many, blessings very few.

    At Vršič (Vur-SHYCH) Pass, Slovenia. 7-24-08

    Paul Hertelendy, Piedmont

    The Pagan Lady is a face, a natural rock formation some 40 ft. high, in Triglav National Park. "Situation" is deliberately mispelled for phonetic reasons.